(Des Moines, Iowa)  – A physical therapist accused of fraudulently claiming payment for services he never provided can keep his license, a state panel has ruled. There is no indication of any criminal charges being filed in the case. According to a report in the Iowa Capital Dispatch, the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapists recently charged physical therapist Scott Varilek, of Sioux City, with violating a state regulation that prohibits therapists from obtaining third-party payments – typically made by insurers — for patient services through fraudulent means.

According to the board, Varilek was providing physical therapy to residents of an unspecified assisted living facility in March and April of 2022. During that time, Varilek allegedly billed for physical therapy services that could not be substantiated through a review of video surveillance or through interviews with staff and patients.

The board alleges it previously issued a formal warning to Varilek for improper billing practices, although the board’s website indicates no such warning was ever made public. As a result of the most recent allegations, the board has entered into a settlement agreement with Varilek in which he has been allowed to keep his license, receive another warning, and pay a $750 civil penalty.

Varilek’s National Provider Identifier indicates he is licensed to practice in Nebraska and Iowa, with one of his practice locations being Opportunities Unlimited in Sioux City. His Nebraska license is in good standing with no public record of disciplinary action.